Gunnison Valley Health offers new outreach events for Crested Butte

Gunnison Valley Health has expanded community outreach activities for Crested Butte residents. According to vice chair of the Gunnison Hospital board of trustees Martyn Cooper, “Our charge is to serve the entire county, so this summer we’re investing in partnerships with Crested Butte organizations and reaching out in new ways to build awareness about the many outstanding services the health system offers.”

On July 22 Gunnison Valley Health is partnering with the Center for the Arts Crested Butte to provide a third health screening in the valley.
“The health system has previously offered two health screenings each year,” said GVH CEO Rob Santilli. “This summer we’ve added a third screening in order to better meet the needs of summer and part time residents in the valley. We’re especially pleased to be partnering with the Center for the Arts for a ‘Healthy Living Brunch’ that will give residents a unique opportunity for socializing and education, with the added advantage of getting detailed, personal health information from a low-cost HealthScreen.”
GVH will be featured as a new stop on the Tour de Forks 2014 summer program, with a ‘Healthy Living Brunch’ on July 22 at 8 a.m., including a HealthScreen blood test, which provides individuals with a current view of internal functions and disease risk factors.
The health system is underwriting the cost of the HealthScreen, which would normally cost over $200 through a laboratory. Chef John Ralston, culinary director at the Gunnison Valley Hospital, is cooking brunch, which also includes a presentation from Dr. Lance Dalleck, assistant professor of exercise and sport science at WSCU on exercise and eating for optimum performance at high altitudes. Tickets are $110 and registration is on line at the Tour de Forks website.
A second new outreach event of the summer will take place on August 12 from 3 to 5 p.m. at The Club at Crested Butte. “Insights and Tools to Support your Aging Parent” is an educational seminar in collaboration with Gunnison County Senior Resources and Law of the Rockies. This comprehensive seminar will provide information and showcase local resources to help participants understand how to handle the emotional and practical aspects of taking care of loved ones during their senior years. There is no charge for the seminar. Registration is by phone (970) 642-8417 or via the new GVH website; LiveWellGunnisonValley.com.
“These two events,” said Cooper, “represent an enhanced level of commitment from the health system to serve the north end of the valley and are parts of an overall strategy to build new services for the convenience of part-time and year-round residents.”